Home Based Travel Agents learn about the Vacation.com exclusive Fast Track commission offer running through July 31, 2008.
Learn the details on this special program offering additional commission to your agency and provide updates on NCL's recent initiatives with their Partnership 2.0 program, the F3 ships in development, and the new NCLU, the College of Cruise Knowledge.
Date: Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Time: 2:00 PM EDT
Space is limited. Reserve your spot today!
Click Here
Learn How to Become A Travel Agent... Open your own Home Based Travel Agency
Saturday
Friday
Religious Travel Programs = Huge Commissions
According to a Religious Travel Study (conducted by Menlo Consulting Group), 4.5 million people have traveled internationally on a religious or faith-based vacation.
That number is expected to increase exponentially in the next five years: The same study revealed that by 2012, an additional 9.7 million will have traveled internationally on religious journeys.
As one of the first large tour operators to embrace faith-based travel, creating a religious travel division in 2004, Globus continues to cater to this growing trend, unveiling both new vacations and destinations in 2009, including a highly anticipated return to Israel.
The study revealed that 54 percent of people interested in religious travel consider Israel to be the most desirable vacation destination, while 41 percent believe Italy is.
The research shows that nearly 75 percent of people interested in religious vacations want to delve deeper into their faiths with others who share their passions and interests by traveling as part of an escorted tour group.
Most are also looking for vacations ranging from five to 14 days, filled with a balance of both religious and non-religious exploration, such as shopping and entertainment, as well as first-class service and amenities.
Home Based Travel Agents can Earn HUGE Commissions buy Helping Local Churches Organize Group faith based Religious Vacations.
Globus' 2009 Religious Vacations include:
1. New Journey Through the Holy Land,
a 10-day exploration of the Holy Land, including Philippi, Corinth, Ephesus and other places where Apostle Paul traveled. Clients will stand atop Mount Nebo, enjoy a cruise on the Sea of Galilee, ride a cable car in Masada, visit the site of David's victory over Goliath in the Valley of Elah, and take part in a historical overview of early Christianity. The program is priced from $2,099 land-only.
2. New Vatican, Assisi & Southern Italy (plus Medjugorje Extension) is an eight-day vacation to Rome featuring a weekly general audience with the Pope as well as visits to the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Square, the Catacombs, St. Mary Major Basilica, St. John Lateran Basilica and the Holy Stairs, a landmark brought from Jerusalem to Rome around 326 A.D., among other major landmarks. From Rome, travelers will enjoy experiences in Assisi, Pompeii and Sorrento. Those wanting to extend their journey abroad can enjoy three more days with a Medjugorje (Mostar) extension. The program is priced from $2,049 land-only (or from $3,599 with Medjugorje extension).
3. Jordan & Egypt in the Bible
Is a 10-day vacation that starts in the Dead Sea and includes excursions to Amman, Jerash, Um Quais and John the Baptist's Baptismal Archeological Park in Bethany. Also included is Mt. Sinai, where Moses received the Ten Commandments, and Wadi Mujib and the Crusaders Castle of Kerak to Petra. In Lawrence of Arabia's Wadi Rum, travelers will enjoy a Jeep tour before flying from Amman to Cairo to meet an Egyptologist for a spectacular day of sightseeing including Giza's Sphinx and the Great Pyramids. The tour is priced from $2,169 land-only (includes intra-tour flight).
4. Footsteps of Apostle Paul,
Globus' most popular religious vacation, is a 10-day tour beginning in Athens, with visits to the Acropolis and Areopagus, where Paul delivered his famous sermon about the identity of "the Unknown God." Clients will continue to Corinth on to Piraeus where they will board a three-day Greece and Turkey cruise that includes visits to the islands of Mykonos, Rhodes and Lindos. Then they will enjoy more sightseeing in Thessalonika and an excursion along the ancient route of Apostle Paul to Amphipolis, ancient Philippi and Kavala. Travelers will continue to Veria and visit the Bema of Paul, among other cultural sites. The tour is priced from $2,079 land-only.
5. Lourdes & Shrines of France
Is a 10-day vacation beginning in Paris, seeing major sites including Notre Dame Cathedral, the Basilica of Sacre Coeur, Our Lady of Miraculous Medal and St. Vincent de Paul Shrines. From Paris, travelers will board the high-speed "TGV" train to Lourdes, one of the world's most famous places of pilgrimage. There they will visit the Grotto where Virgin Mary appeared to St. Bernadette in 858, Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine and St. Bernadette's birthplace. Travelers can also choose to bathe in the healing waters and attend the "Blessing of the Sick." They can admire medieval Carcassonne on their way to Avignon with stops in La Salette to visit the church and the Apparition Site. In Ars-sur-Formans, travelers will visit the St. John Vianney Shrine, his home and church. Other sightseeing includes the Chapel of the Apparitions, the Basilica of the Sacred Heart and St. Gildard. The tour is priced from $2,599, land-only.
Any booking of 2009 Globus, Cosmos, Monograms or Avalon vacations for five, six or seven travelers will receive the $75 off per person offer.
Bookings must be made, under deposit, and discount applied between June 4 and Dec. 31 for travel through Dec. 31, 2009. Individuals must be traveling together from the same origination point to receive the discount.
For more information, visit http://www.globusjourneys.com/ or http://www.globusfaith.com/.
For brochures, call 800-221-0090 or visit http://www.globusfamilypartner.com/.
For more information or reservations, call 800-221-0090 or visit http://www.globusjourneys.com/.
That number is expected to increase exponentially in the next five years: The same study revealed that by 2012, an additional 9.7 million will have traveled internationally on religious journeys.
As one of the first large tour operators to embrace faith-based travel, creating a religious travel division in 2004, Globus continues to cater to this growing trend, unveiling both new vacations and destinations in 2009, including a highly anticipated return to Israel.
The study revealed that 54 percent of people interested in religious travel consider Israel to be the most desirable vacation destination, while 41 percent believe Italy is.
The research shows that nearly 75 percent of people interested in religious vacations want to delve deeper into their faiths with others who share their passions and interests by traveling as part of an escorted tour group.
Most are also looking for vacations ranging from five to 14 days, filled with a balance of both religious and non-religious exploration, such as shopping and entertainment, as well as first-class service and amenities.
Home Based Travel Agents can Earn HUGE Commissions buy Helping Local Churches Organize Group faith based Religious Vacations.
Globus' 2009 Religious Vacations include:
1. New Journey Through the Holy Land,
a 10-day exploration of the Holy Land, including Philippi, Corinth, Ephesus and other places where Apostle Paul traveled. Clients will stand atop Mount Nebo, enjoy a cruise on the Sea of Galilee, ride a cable car in Masada, visit the site of David's victory over Goliath in the Valley of Elah, and take part in a historical overview of early Christianity. The program is priced from $2,099 land-only.
2. New Vatican, Assisi & Southern Italy (plus Medjugorje Extension) is an eight-day vacation to Rome featuring a weekly general audience with the Pope as well as visits to the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Square, the Catacombs, St. Mary Major Basilica, St. John Lateran Basilica and the Holy Stairs, a landmark brought from Jerusalem to Rome around 326 A.D., among other major landmarks. From Rome, travelers will enjoy experiences in Assisi, Pompeii and Sorrento. Those wanting to extend their journey abroad can enjoy three more days with a Medjugorje (Mostar) extension. The program is priced from $2,049 land-only (or from $3,599 with Medjugorje extension).
3. Jordan & Egypt in the Bible
Is a 10-day vacation that starts in the Dead Sea and includes excursions to Amman, Jerash, Um Quais and John the Baptist's Baptismal Archeological Park in Bethany. Also included is Mt. Sinai, where Moses received the Ten Commandments, and Wadi Mujib and the Crusaders Castle of Kerak to Petra. In Lawrence of Arabia's Wadi Rum, travelers will enjoy a Jeep tour before flying from Amman to Cairo to meet an Egyptologist for a spectacular day of sightseeing including Giza's Sphinx and the Great Pyramids. The tour is priced from $2,169 land-only (includes intra-tour flight).
4. Footsteps of Apostle Paul,
Globus' most popular religious vacation, is a 10-day tour beginning in Athens, with visits to the Acropolis and Areopagus, where Paul delivered his famous sermon about the identity of "the Unknown God." Clients will continue to Corinth on to Piraeus where they will board a three-day Greece and Turkey cruise that includes visits to the islands of Mykonos, Rhodes and Lindos. Then they will enjoy more sightseeing in Thessalonika and an excursion along the ancient route of Apostle Paul to Amphipolis, ancient Philippi and Kavala. Travelers will continue to Veria and visit the Bema of Paul, among other cultural sites. The tour is priced from $2,079 land-only.
5. Lourdes & Shrines of France
Is a 10-day vacation beginning in Paris, seeing major sites including Notre Dame Cathedral, the Basilica of Sacre Coeur, Our Lady of Miraculous Medal and St. Vincent de Paul Shrines. From Paris, travelers will board the high-speed "TGV" train to Lourdes, one of the world's most famous places of pilgrimage. There they will visit the Grotto where Virgin Mary appeared to St. Bernadette in 858, Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine and St. Bernadette's birthplace. Travelers can also choose to bathe in the healing waters and attend the "Blessing of the Sick." They can admire medieval Carcassonne on their way to Avignon with stops in La Salette to visit the church and the Apparition Site. In Ars-sur-Formans, travelers will visit the St. John Vianney Shrine, his home and church. Other sightseeing includes the Chapel of the Apparitions, the Basilica of the Sacred Heart and St. Gildard. The tour is priced from $2,599, land-only.
Any booking of 2009 Globus, Cosmos, Monograms or Avalon vacations for five, six or seven travelers will receive the $75 off per person offer.
Bookings must be made, under deposit, and discount applied between June 4 and Dec. 31 for travel through Dec. 31, 2009. Individuals must be traveling together from the same origination point to receive the discount.
For more information, visit http://www.globusjourneys.com/ or http://www.globusfaith.com/.
For brochures, call 800-221-0090 or visit http://www.globusfamilypartner.com/.
For more information or reservations, call 800-221-0090 or visit http://www.globusjourneys.com/.
How to Save Money on Car Rentals
1. Try an Aggregator.
If you prefer not to use an opaque site, don’t bounce around from one company website to another; go to an aggregator site like Kayak or SideStep instead. Once you’re ready to book, these sites link you directly to the rental agency’s own website. Earlier this year, Kayak added a new option that allows travelers to search for hybrid vehicles.
2. Avoid Renting at the Airport (If You Can).
Airport locations are often required by law to add local and state surcharges. Neil Abrams, an industry consultant, estimates that airport fees can hike the cost of renting a car by 25 to 45 percent. To make sure you don’t pay more than you have to, Perkins advises reserving from a city center or suburban location. “Most airports try to capture fees from any rental office, even those running shuttles from airport terminals to nearby offices that are not directly on the premises,” he says.
If you prefer not to use an opaque site, don’t bounce around from one company website to another; go to an aggregator site like Kayak or SideStep instead. Once you’re ready to book, these sites link you directly to the rental agency’s own website. Earlier this year, Kayak added a new option that allows travelers to search for hybrid vehicles.
2. Avoid Renting at the Airport (If You Can).
Airport locations are often required by law to add local and state surcharges. Neil Abrams, an industry consultant, estimates that airport fees can hike the cost of renting a car by 25 to 45 percent. To make sure you don’t pay more than you have to, Perkins advises reserving from a city center or suburban location. “Most airports try to capture fees from any rental office, even those running shuttles from airport terminals to nearby offices that are not directly on the premises,” he says.
Thursday
Free Travel Agent Online Training
Join Home Based Travel Agents for the following online training seminars brought to you by the Globus family of brands.
The training sessions are free and will focus on product portfolios, destination information, and interactive “how to” guides catered to assist you with your sales and marketing efforts.
If you’re looking to sell more, increase your profits, and generate new business ideas, we encourage you to participate in these seminars!
Each month, we will offer:
A minimum of 2 incredible seminar topics
(Product Feature & “How To” Sales & Marketing Seminar)
Two 60 minute sessions per topic (morning at 11am EST & afternoon at 4pm EST)And... special bonus evening session... “All in One” 90 minute session (9pm EST)
Plus, Quarterly “Live Chats” (informal Q&A session)
Visit www.globusfamilypartner.com to take a course or for more information.
Home Based Travel Agents can logon to www.globusathome.com for local training opportunities.
To register for one of these training seminars, visit www.globusfamilyofbrands.camp7.org.
Or visit the Travel Agent Portal at www.globusfamilypartner.com and click on the “Online Training Seminars” link under the Agent Education section
The training sessions are free and will focus on product portfolios, destination information, and interactive “how to” guides catered to assist you with your sales and marketing efforts.
If you’re looking to sell more, increase your profits, and generate new business ideas, we encourage you to participate in these seminars!
Each month, we will offer:
A minimum of 2 incredible seminar topics
(Product Feature & “How To” Sales & Marketing Seminar)
Two 60 minute sessions per topic (morning at 11am EST & afternoon at 4pm EST)And... special bonus evening session... “All in One” 90 minute session (9pm EST)
Plus, Quarterly “Live Chats” (informal Q&A session)
Visit www.globusfamilypartner.com to take a course or for more information.
Home Based Travel Agents can logon to www.globusathome.com for local training opportunities.
To register for one of these training seminars, visit www.globusfamilyofbrands.camp7.org.
Or visit the Travel Agent Portal at www.globusfamilypartner.com and click on the “Online Training Seminars” link under the Agent Education section
Sales Training Webinar
Techniques to increase your sales by 20%. Sposored by http://www.tripology.com/
How to handle email leads effectively. Conducting client interviews. Sales closing techniques. Tuesday July 6th, 2pm EDT / 11am PDT Click Here to Register
How to handle email leads effectively. Conducting client interviews. Sales closing techniques. Tuesday July 6th, 2pm EDT / 11am PDT Click Here to Register
Agent Training Webinar on Religious Tours
Vice President and Director of Religious Tours for Unitours – will get into the “nuts and bolts” of how to successfully prospect for religious Pied Pipers, how to qualify them, how to make appointments, and how to sell them on your skills and interest in religious travel.
Bob has successfully sold religious travel for more than 20 years, and Unitours is the oldest and most respected firm in the Religious Travel Industry (founded in 1957).
This live webinar from 12 noon to 1 pm Eastern on Thursday, June 26, is offered to Home Based Travel Agents who wish to participate. However, you must pre-register to attend. To do so, click on this link.
Bob has successfully sold religious travel for more than 20 years, and Unitours is the oldest and most respected firm in the Religious Travel Industry (founded in 1957).
This live webinar from 12 noon to 1 pm Eastern on Thursday, June 26, is offered to Home Based Travel Agents who wish to participate. However, you must pre-register to attend. To do so, click on this link.
Carnival Cruises from Baltimore
Carnival Cruise Lines, the world's largest cruise operator, plans to launch the first year-round cruise program from the Port of Baltimore with seven-day cruises aboard the 2,124-passenger Carnival Pride beginning in fall 2009.
3 Strategies to Market Your Business Even When There’s No Money
By: Kathleen Gage
The following three strategies have proven extremely effective for countless businesses as they can for you.
1.Press Releases
Very effective and they offer a great deal of credibility when published. You must have a well written release that is pertinent to the media source you are sending it to. You can distribute press releases both online and off.
A quick Internet search under media resources in your city will bring up radio, television, newspapers and magazines in your area. To find online resources do a search under “free online press release distribution.” Numerous listings will come up.
Be sure to utilize the free services when on a limited budget. There are services you can pay for if you are so inclined. An excellent resources for both free and paid is http://www.prweb.com/ .
Prior to writing a press release, determine the following:
Who is your target market?
What is your target media?
Who is the contact person at the media outlet?
What is the timeframe for submission?
Do you have an attention-grabbing headline?
Do you know the who, what, when, where, why, how?
Do you have good quotes, research and technical date if appropriate?
2. Articles
Writing articles is a great way to gain recognition as an expert in your field or specific industry. By providing practical information, you can reach targeted audiences. This can create exciting opportunities for you and your business.
Whatever you write about should be something you are knowledgeable on and your information is factual. Incorrect or untrue information can come back to haunt you.
Recently I read an article by someone claiming to be an Internet marketing expert. Their article was about gaining visibility on the Net. To find out how much visibility this so called expert has I did a name search on the author. The “expert” author had only 10 postings under his name. Not very impressive when other experts have thousands of listings. The author immediately lost credibility.
3. Presentations
One of the most incredibly effective ways to market your product or service is to offer a complimentary information seminar. When you provide great information that is of interest to your market you have become a resource before you are a vendor. By positioning yourself as a resource you are marketing in a very unique way.
Hosting a presentation can be virtually expense free. You can offer to do a presentation at a staff meeting for a client. Many large companies have brown bag lunch speaking opportunities. You can host a meeting open to the public at your local library.
Be sure to send press releases to the local media when you are offering a presentation open to the public. Many associations, including your local Chamber of Commerce, are constantly seeking presenters who can provide timely and content driven talks that benefit their members.
When you apply one of the three recommendations to your marketing mix you will benefit. When you apply all three the results can be phenomenal.
The following three strategies have proven extremely effective for countless businesses as they can for you.
1.Press Releases
Very effective and they offer a great deal of credibility when published. You must have a well written release that is pertinent to the media source you are sending it to. You can distribute press releases both online and off.
A quick Internet search under media resources in your city will bring up radio, television, newspapers and magazines in your area. To find online resources do a search under “free online press release distribution.” Numerous listings will come up.
Be sure to utilize the free services when on a limited budget. There are services you can pay for if you are so inclined. An excellent resources for both free and paid is http://www.prweb.com/ .
Prior to writing a press release, determine the following:
Who is your target market?
What is your target media?
Who is the contact person at the media outlet?
What is the timeframe for submission?
Do you have an attention-grabbing headline?
Do you know the who, what, when, where, why, how?
Do you have good quotes, research and technical date if appropriate?
2. Articles
Writing articles is a great way to gain recognition as an expert in your field or specific industry. By providing practical information, you can reach targeted audiences. This can create exciting opportunities for you and your business.
Whatever you write about should be something you are knowledgeable on and your information is factual. Incorrect or untrue information can come back to haunt you.
Recently I read an article by someone claiming to be an Internet marketing expert. Their article was about gaining visibility on the Net. To find out how much visibility this so called expert has I did a name search on the author. The “expert” author had only 10 postings under his name. Not very impressive when other experts have thousands of listings. The author immediately lost credibility.
3. Presentations
One of the most incredibly effective ways to market your product or service is to offer a complimentary information seminar. When you provide great information that is of interest to your market you have become a resource before you are a vendor. By positioning yourself as a resource you are marketing in a very unique way.
Hosting a presentation can be virtually expense free. You can offer to do a presentation at a staff meeting for a client. Many large companies have brown bag lunch speaking opportunities. You can host a meeting open to the public at your local library.
Be sure to send press releases to the local media when you are offering a presentation open to the public. Many associations, including your local Chamber of Commerce, are constantly seeking presenters who can provide timely and content driven talks that benefit their members.
When you apply one of the three recommendations to your marketing mix you will benefit. When you apply all three the results can be phenomenal.
Wednesday
NCL New Online Travel Agent University
Home Based Travel Agents can earn NCL certification as well as share tips and success stories via online classes, videos and blogs.
"It is more important than ever for NCL to provide a valuable resource to our travel partners 24/7, and NCL U allows them to stay connected, learn more about us and also interact with each other. The program was developed in coordination with Marc Mancini, who has developed numerous travel industry training programs.
As agents experience the site, they can also earn points and participate in contests to win prizes and giveaways such as free cruises, Nintendo Wii games and more. The homepage lets agents create a personalized dashboard that can send them instant messages and alerts on sales, F3 updates and more news. Agents can create a virtual student ID by downloading a personal photo or choosing an avatar from the site.
The education section includes information on Freestyle Certification, NCL U benefits and priority access to F3 news. The CLIA-credit classes designed by Mancini include "Who, What and Where: An Introduction to NCL," "Freestyle Cruising: The Experience," "Profiling the NCL Customer" and "Ports and Places: Exploring NCL's World."
Elective classes featuring video from The Second City will include a course on Freestyle 2.0, NCL's fleet-wide initiative that includes a major investment in the dining experience, upgrading staterooms, adding new onboard activities, and additional recognition, service and amenities for balcony, suite and villa guests.
Other electives focus on Freestyle Cruising, NCL's Bermuda cruises and Freestyle activities.The Faculty Lounge features a blog where agents can pose questions for industry leaders and NCL executives, as well as post and read messages on NCL's "Buzz Blog" for the "inside scoop on what's in, what's hot and what's new.
The Student Union features A2A for agent-to-agent tutoring; an audio-visual lab where agents can download videos, commercials, and webinars; videos with questions that agents can answer to earn points toward their Freestyle Certification.
The Insider, a monthly travel partner newsletter; and NCL U Pulse, a downloadable desktop widget that alerts agents about NCL and updates.
The Library features a one-stop shop for agent tools, presentations, information about specials and promotions, archived NCL U lessons and a who's-who at NCL.
All travel agents need to be registered at NCL U to take part in the specials and promotions. Intramurals features virtual games, while the Campus Store features NCL gear that can be purchased by redeeming campus bucks earned during the Freestyle Certification process.
For more information, all 866-234-0292 or visit www.ncluniversity.com.
"It is more important than ever for NCL to provide a valuable resource to our travel partners 24/7, and NCL U allows them to stay connected, learn more about us and also interact with each other. The program was developed in coordination with Marc Mancini, who has developed numerous travel industry training programs.
As agents experience the site, they can also earn points and participate in contests to win prizes and giveaways such as free cruises, Nintendo Wii games and more. The homepage lets agents create a personalized dashboard that can send them instant messages and alerts on sales, F3 updates and more news. Agents can create a virtual student ID by downloading a personal photo or choosing an avatar from the site.
The education section includes information on Freestyle Certification, NCL U benefits and priority access to F3 news. The CLIA-credit classes designed by Mancini include "Who, What and Where: An Introduction to NCL," "Freestyle Cruising: The Experience," "Profiling the NCL Customer" and "Ports and Places: Exploring NCL's World."
Elective classes featuring video from The Second City will include a course on Freestyle 2.0, NCL's fleet-wide initiative that includes a major investment in the dining experience, upgrading staterooms, adding new onboard activities, and additional recognition, service and amenities for balcony, suite and villa guests.
Other electives focus on Freestyle Cruising, NCL's Bermuda cruises and Freestyle activities.The Faculty Lounge features a blog where agents can pose questions for industry leaders and NCL executives, as well as post and read messages on NCL's "Buzz Blog" for the "inside scoop on what's in, what's hot and what's new.
The Student Union features A2A for agent-to-agent tutoring; an audio-visual lab where agents can download videos, commercials, and webinars; videos with questions that agents can answer to earn points toward their Freestyle Certification.
The Insider, a monthly travel partner newsletter; and NCL U Pulse, a downloadable desktop widget that alerts agents about NCL and updates.
The Library features a one-stop shop for agent tools, presentations, information about specials and promotions, archived NCL U lessons and a who's-who at NCL.
All travel agents need to be registered at NCL U to take part in the specials and promotions. Intramurals features virtual games, while the Campus Store features NCL gear that can be purchased by redeeming campus bucks earned during the Freestyle Certification process.
For more information, all 866-234-0292 or visit www.ncluniversity.com.
Quote of The Week
“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” ~ St. Augustine
Tuesday
Join us for a Webinar on June 26
Please join BJ Mikkelsen, Sales & Marketing Director at Pandaw River Cruises and learn about the largest river cruise company in Southeast Asia. With four luxury ships ranging in capacity from 48 to 68 passengers, these small ships have the highest passenger to space ratio of any ships afloat. In 1995 Pandaw was the first line to pioneer and explore the region's great rivers and their tributaries: the Irrawaddy and Chindwin in Burma, the Mekong and Tonle Rivers in Cambodia and the backwaters of the Mekong Delta in Vietnam. Their small ships can penetrate remote and otherwise inaccessible areas. While the vessels offer a real adventure experience, travelers are pampered with incredible comfort, fine dining, great cocktails and choice wines, along with extraordinary levels of service. This webinar will be on Thursday, June 26 at: 11am PT, 12pm MT, 1pm CT, 2pm ET
Title:
Exploring Pandaw River Cruises- Deluxe Cruises to Burma, Cambodia and Vietnam
Date:
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Time:
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM PDT
System RequirementsPC-based attendeesRequired: Windows® 2000, XP Home, XP Pro, 2003 Server, Vista
Macintosh®-based attendeesRequired: Mac OS® X 10.3.9 (Panther®) or newer
Space is limited.Reserve your Webinar seat now at:https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/802962780
Title:
Exploring Pandaw River Cruises- Deluxe Cruises to Burma, Cambodia and Vietnam
Date:
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Time:
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM PDT
System RequirementsPC-based attendeesRequired: Windows® 2000, XP Home, XP Pro, 2003 Server, Vista
Macintosh®-based attendeesRequired: Mac OS® X 10.3.9 (Panther®) or newer
Space is limited.Reserve your Webinar seat now at:https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/802962780
The Apple Vacations Agent Academy
By becoming an Apple Vacations specialist and learning about our products and services, you will gain the knowledge to match the right vacation to your customers' unique needs, and ultimately grow your business. In addition to learning about Mexico, the Caribbean, Hawaii, Europe, and Ski- and the advantages of booking these destinations through Apple Vacations- you will receive these great benefits! Click here to learn more!
CarnivaL New Ship Focuses on Families
Carnival Cruise Lines' largest ship, the Carnival Dream, will launch seven-day cruises to the Caribbean late next year and will focus on families. "We are big on the family, and The Dream is all about the family," said Terry Thornton of Carnival Cruise Lines. "We are catering to the family because they're the ones taking the vacations in Central Florida. On the Dream, we'll have the biggest water park ever on one of our ships. We have an indoor-outdoor entertainment area, and we're expanding our day camps to cater to kids and teenagers."
Monday
MSA Ship board Credit
MSC will offer a ship board credit up to $200.00 per cabin for all bookings deposited by AUGUST 31, 2008
This offer is valid for all bookings deposited by August 31, 2008. The ship board credit will vary depending on the stateroom type.
Inside: $25 pp Max $50 per cabin
Oceanview: $50 pp Max $100 per cabin
Balcony & Suites: $100 pp Max $200 per cabin
This offer cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion and may be withdrawn without notice. Government Taxes and fees for all guests are additional. Fuel surcharges are additional.
Ask for: Shipboard Credit Promotion when booking. Offer expires 8/31/08
Dates applicable:
MSC Lirica: March 4, 2009, March 24, 2009, April 13, 2009
MSC Orchestra March 7, 2009
Kids Free (2-17) when sailing in same stateroom
Air add-ons, hotels and transfers are not valid with this promotion.
Existing bookings will be given upgrades in lieu of the promotion or pax may choose promotion rate.
Agent Site: www.msccruisesagent.com
Consumer Site: www.msccruisesusa.com
MSC Orchestra Site: www.theorchestraiscomingtotown.com
Traveler Information: U.S. Customs and Border Protection has issued a new early boarding procedure. Visit: http://www.msccruisesgetforms.com/ to fill out the Passenger Declaration Form at least three (3) days prior to departure.
This offer is valid for all bookings deposited by August 31, 2008. The ship board credit will vary depending on the stateroom type.
Inside: $25 pp Max $50 per cabin
Oceanview: $50 pp Max $100 per cabin
Balcony & Suites: $100 pp Max $200 per cabin
This offer cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion and may be withdrawn without notice. Government Taxes and fees for all guests are additional. Fuel surcharges are additional.
Ask for: Shipboard Credit Promotion when booking. Offer expires 8/31/08
Dates applicable:
MSC Lirica: March 4, 2009, March 24, 2009, April 13, 2009
MSC Orchestra March 7, 2009
Kids Free (2-17) when sailing in same stateroom
Air add-ons, hotels and transfers are not valid with this promotion.
Existing bookings will be given upgrades in lieu of the promotion or pax may choose promotion rate.
Agent Site: www.msccruisesagent.com
Consumer Site: www.msccruisesusa.com
MSC Orchestra Site: www.theorchestraiscomingtotown.com
Traveler Information: U.S. Customs and Border Protection has issued a new early boarding procedure. Visit: http://www.msccruisesgetforms.com/ to fill out the Passenger Declaration Form at least three (3) days prior to departure.
Wednesday
List, List, List...
Lists, lists, lists! The best vacation ideas for every season. The best cities. The best beaches. The best ski resorts. Close your eyes, spin in your chair and then point at the screen to choose a great vacation for you and your kids.
The 2007 T+L Family 50
Check in and check out the top 50 resorts for parents and children
Happy Camping
Discover the thrill (and ease) of car camping!
The Tropical 10
Caribbean, here we come: Our readers' favorite kid-friendly resorts
Holidays Away!
Presenting our favorite places to celebrate this season: Quebec City, Hawaii's Big Island, Colonial Williamsburg, and London
Your Choices: Top Family Resorts in the U.S. and Canada
Now don't tell us you can't figure out where to go on your next vacation.
Many Happy Returns
Here, 16 clans who have hit on crowd-pleasing resorts and rituals. For them, familiarity breeds contentment—and a seamless family vacation.
Kid-Friendly Ski Resorts
These family-friendly slopes make us want to head for the hills.
10 Places to Spend Christmas
Salzburg, The Big Island, Dominican Republic, Yosemite, New York, Rome, Vermont, Galápagos, Caribbean Cruise, Colonial Williamsburg
Family Cruises
18 top lines to consider. Ready? Set? Sail!
25 Spots for Family Reunions
3 families' fantastic get-togethers plus the best reunion locations
Three Cities for a Song
How to afford New York City, Washington, D.C., and San Francisco. Really.
Go in Style
Get it straight—the head-to-toe look this summer is strictly stripes
Go to the BeachSun-protective beach wear, surf camps for families, water quality at America's beaches, and web-only features.
The 2007 T+L Family 50
Check in and check out the top 50 resorts for parents and children
Happy Camping
Discover the thrill (and ease) of car camping!
The Tropical 10
Caribbean, here we come: Our readers' favorite kid-friendly resorts
Holidays Away!
Presenting our favorite places to celebrate this season: Quebec City, Hawaii's Big Island, Colonial Williamsburg, and London
Your Choices: Top Family Resorts in the U.S. and Canada
Now don't tell us you can't figure out where to go on your next vacation.
Many Happy Returns
Here, 16 clans who have hit on crowd-pleasing resorts and rituals. For them, familiarity breeds contentment—and a seamless family vacation.
Kid-Friendly Ski Resorts
These family-friendly slopes make us want to head for the hills.
10 Places to Spend Christmas
Salzburg, The Big Island, Dominican Republic, Yosemite, New York, Rome, Vermont, Galápagos, Caribbean Cruise, Colonial Williamsburg
Family Cruises
18 top lines to consider. Ready? Set? Sail!
25 Spots for Family Reunions
3 families' fantastic get-togethers plus the best reunion locations
Three Cities for a Song
How to afford New York City, Washington, D.C., and San Francisco. Really.
Go in Style
Get it straight—the head-to-toe look this summer is strictly stripes
Go to the BeachSun-protective beach wear, surf camps for families, water quality at America's beaches, and web-only features.
Tuesday
Crack-down on carry-ons:
Nearly every airline’s carry-on policy states that passengers are allowed to board with one personal item, (such as a purse or a laptop bag) and one bag that can be no larger than 45 linear inches, which is the total of the height, width and depth of the bag. Few travelers know if their carry-on bag actually meets the 45 linear-inches limit. Given the outrageously large bags we’ve all seen some folks trying to stuff into the overhead bins, fewer travelers seem to care.
But they’re going to have to. Travelers hoping to avoid the new checked-bag fees simply by taking oversized bags onboard could find themselves sent back to the check-in counter by airline employees monitoring bag sizes.
But they’re going to have to. Travelers hoping to avoid the new checked-bag fees simply by taking oversized bags onboard could find themselves sent back to the check-in counter by airline employees monitoring bag sizes.
Friday
Faith-Based Travel Programs
CIE Tours International expanded its repertoire of group travel arrangements to places of pilgrimage and religious significance in Europe in response to growing popularity.
Sample itineraries to the holy places of Ireland and Italy as well as faith-based travel ideas to Fatima, Lourdes, and Medjugorje, are outlined in CIE Tours' new Group Travel Planner 2009-Ireland, Britain, Italy, Europe.
Designed to simplify the selling and booking process, the new 20-page planner is a tool for home based travel agents to boost group sales for faith-based travel. The planner also provides selling points for small family groups as well as scheduled and customized groups.
All prices include accommodations at first class or superior first class hotels in rooms with private bath/shower, most meals, fully escorted sightseeing program, admission charges, entertainment, and more -- all for the one basic price.
CIE Tours' policy of no optional extras insures that a tour director is totally focused on client welfare. To talk to a group travel specialist, call 800-223-6508. For copies of the Group Travel Planner 2009, call CIE Tours at 800-243-8687 or visit www.cietours.com.
Sample itineraries to the holy places of Ireland and Italy as well as faith-based travel ideas to Fatima, Lourdes, and Medjugorje, are outlined in CIE Tours' new Group Travel Planner 2009-Ireland, Britain, Italy, Europe.
Designed to simplify the selling and booking process, the new 20-page planner is a tool for home based travel agents to boost group sales for faith-based travel. The planner also provides selling points for small family groups as well as scheduled and customized groups.
All prices include accommodations at first class or superior first class hotels in rooms with private bath/shower, most meals, fully escorted sightseeing program, admission charges, entertainment, and more -- all for the one basic price.
CIE Tours' policy of no optional extras insures that a tour director is totally focused on client welfare. To talk to a group travel specialist, call 800-223-6508. For copies of the Group Travel Planner 2009, call CIE Tours at 800-243-8687 or visit www.cietours.com.
Thursday
Keeping Your Money and Valuables Safe
The most important rule of the road is to make sure you keep your money, credit and debit cards, passport, and airline tickets on you at all times.
We don't recommend carrying anything valuable in a purse (too easily snatched) or a backpack, which can be opened without your noticing. Even a wallet kept in your front pocket can be taken by an experienced pickpocket.
Instead, we recommend a money pouch that can be concealed under your clothing. Some attach to your belt, while others are worn around the neck, waist or calf.
These are particularly important if you're sleeping on a train, standing on a crowded subway or staying in a hotel that is not very secure.
Choose one that is comfortable and practical for where you're traveling. You can buy money pouches at Magellan's or other travel stores. It's not just pouches -- you can find some really creative ways to hide your money.
There are key chains, belts, cases, even a portable closet safe disguised as a padded coat hanger! You can get all of these items for under $40.
Try not to carry all of your valuables in the same place. If you're traveling with a companion, make sure each of you has some cash and a credit card on hand in case you're split up or one of you is robbed.
If you're alone, keep a backup credit or debit card in a separate pouch from the one you'll be using most often.While most valuables should be safely hidden away, you may want to keep a small amount of local currency in a separate dummy wallet where it's easily accessible; that way you're not flashing your cash each time you want to make a small purchase, and if it's stolen it won't be a huge loss.
Another good tip is to make two copies of your passport, credit cards, ATM cards, plane tickets and traveler's check serial numbers. Leave one copy at home with someone you can reach in an emergency. Keep the other set with you in a safe place separate from the originals.
We don't recommend carrying anything valuable in a purse (too easily snatched) or a backpack, which can be opened without your noticing. Even a wallet kept in your front pocket can be taken by an experienced pickpocket.
Instead, we recommend a money pouch that can be concealed under your clothing. Some attach to your belt, while others are worn around the neck, waist or calf.
These are particularly important if you're sleeping on a train, standing on a crowded subway or staying in a hotel that is not very secure.
Choose one that is comfortable and practical for where you're traveling. You can buy money pouches at Magellan's or other travel stores. It's not just pouches -- you can find some really creative ways to hide your money.
There are key chains, belts, cases, even a portable closet safe disguised as a padded coat hanger! You can get all of these items for under $40.
Try not to carry all of your valuables in the same place. If you're traveling with a companion, make sure each of you has some cash and a credit card on hand in case you're split up or one of you is robbed.
If you're alone, keep a backup credit or debit card in a separate pouch from the one you'll be using most often.While most valuables should be safely hidden away, you may want to keep a small amount of local currency in a separate dummy wallet where it's easily accessible; that way you're not flashing your cash each time you want to make a small purchase, and if it's stolen it won't be a huge loss.
Another good tip is to make two copies of your passport, credit cards, ATM cards, plane tickets and traveler's check serial numbers. Leave one copy at home with someone you can reach in an emergency. Keep the other set with you in a safe place separate from the originals.
Travel Agent Educational Opportunities
Online Travel University Courses - available through our Travel Agent Portal. You can earn up to 10 CEUs, plus once you pass any course you can start earning Preferred Points to use towards free travel with the Globus family of brands.
Visit www.globusfamilypartner.com to take a course or for more information.
Home Based Travel Agents can logon to www.globusathome.com for local training opportunities.
To register for one of these training seminars, visit www.globusfamilyofbrands.camp7.org.
Or visit the Travel Agent Portal at www.globusfamilypartner.com and click on the “Online Training Seminars” link under the Agent Education section.
Visit www.globusfamilypartner.com to take a course or for more information.
Home Based Travel Agents can logon to www.globusathome.com for local training opportunities.
To register for one of these training seminars, visit www.globusfamilyofbrands.camp7.org.
Or visit the Travel Agent Portal at www.globusfamilypartner.com and click on the “Online Training Seminars” link under the Agent Education section.
Get Airport Lounge Discounts
Lounge passes allow you to reap the benefits—typically free Wi-Fi and newspapers, beverages and snacks, fax machines and local calls—without forking over $2,500.
The Day Pass
If you’re motivated by price rather than loyalty when booking flights and don’t plan on using a lounge more than five times a year, day passes are a better alternative.
Travelers who prefer to plan in advance should consider a prepaid day-pass service. Lounge Pass, for example, gives you the option of buying the passes before your departure. The company partners with more than 100 airports, including Heathrow and LaGuardia.
The Cost
From $45 at lounge entrances; from $29 at LoungePass.com
The Day Pass
If you’re motivated by price rather than loyalty when booking flights and don’t plan on using a lounge more than five times a year, day passes are a better alternative.
Travelers who prefer to plan in advance should consider a prepaid day-pass service. Lounge Pass, for example, gives you the option of buying the passes before your departure. The company partners with more than 100 airports, including Heathrow and LaGuardia.
The Cost
From $45 at lounge entrances; from $29 at LoungePass.com
Princess launches iPod tours
Guide-led walking tours are a great way to get to know a city, particularly in Europe where many urban centers are compact and pedestrian friendly. But they can be a drag if you get stuck with a big group. And they don't offer a lot of flexibility. Where the group goes, you go.
Enter Princess Cruises, which is launching do-it-yourself iPod walking tours this summer in more than a dozen European ports.
For $29, passengers will get a detailed map showing the best route between top attractions and an iPod to use for the day loaded with recorded tour information about each site listed on the map. Then they can set off at their own pace.
Princess tested the concept last year in Barcelona. Now it also will be available in Amalfi, Cannes, Capri, Corfu, Dubrovnik, Florence, Lisbon, Monte Carlo, Mykonos, Pisa, Portofino, Rhodes, Rome and Sorrento.
Passengers will collect their iPods at the tour office on board the ship before disembarking and return them at the end of the day.
Princess spokeswoman Karen Candy says passengers will need to leave a credit card number as a security deposit when picking up the iPod players, which come with headphones and a lanyard so they can hang around one's neck.
Candy says the maps list everything from historic churches and cathedrals to museums, restaurants and shopping areas. Each site has a number that corresponds with the iPod.
The new iPod tours are among 110 new shore excursions that Princess will offer in Europe this summer, bringing their total number of shore excursions in Europe to 849. The new offerings, announced Tuesday, also include new Personalized Experience tours that will feature smaller groups and more personal interaction with guides. They'll be available in four destinations: Berlin, Florence, Naples and Rome.
Cruise Loggers, would you prefer a do-it-yourself iPod walking tour to a traditional guide-led walking tour? Would you like to see more lines add them?
Enter Princess Cruises, which is launching do-it-yourself iPod walking tours this summer in more than a dozen European ports.
For $29, passengers will get a detailed map showing the best route between top attractions and an iPod to use for the day loaded with recorded tour information about each site listed on the map. Then they can set off at their own pace.
Princess tested the concept last year in Barcelona. Now it also will be available in Amalfi, Cannes, Capri, Corfu, Dubrovnik, Florence, Lisbon, Monte Carlo, Mykonos, Pisa, Portofino, Rhodes, Rome and Sorrento.
Passengers will collect their iPods at the tour office on board the ship before disembarking and return them at the end of the day.
Princess spokeswoman Karen Candy says passengers will need to leave a credit card number as a security deposit when picking up the iPod players, which come with headphones and a lanyard so they can hang around one's neck.
Candy says the maps list everything from historic churches and cathedrals to museums, restaurants and shopping areas. Each site has a number that corresponds with the iPod.
The new iPod tours are among 110 new shore excursions that Princess will offer in Europe this summer, bringing their total number of shore excursions in Europe to 849. The new offerings, announced Tuesday, also include new Personalized Experience tours that will feature smaller groups and more personal interaction with guides. They'll be available in four destinations: Berlin, Florence, Naples and Rome.
Cruise Loggers, would you prefer a do-it-yourself iPod walking tour to a traditional guide-led walking tour? Would you like to see more lines add them?
Tuesday
Travel Selling: Turning Lookers into Bookers
Learn about:
The key to selling in the online environment Techniques for intelligent selling.
Webinar: Travel Selling – turning lookers into bookers Date: Tuesday, June 17 Time: 2pm EDT / 11 AM PDT
Click here to Register
The key to selling in the online environment Techniques for intelligent selling.
Webinar: Travel Selling – turning lookers into bookers Date: Tuesday, June 17 Time: 2pm EDT / 11 AM PDT
Click here to Register
Wicked Weekend in New York City!
Whether your clients have seen the show or not, whether they're Wizard of Oz fans or not - this will be a weekend they will always remember.
They'll not only marvel at the Tony-award winning musical Wicked, they'll attend a very special private party after the 8pm show featuring cast members from the Broadway production!
Talk about the show, learn about life as a Broadway performer, take pictures ... they'll feel like real Broadway Insiders! October 24-26, 2008. Click Here for more
They'll not only marvel at the Tony-award winning musical Wicked, they'll attend a very special private party after the 8pm show featuring cast members from the Broadway production!
Talk about the show, learn about life as a Broadway performer, take pictures ... they'll feel like real Broadway Insiders! October 24-26, 2008. Click Here for more
Cruise Control with Amadeus
With Amadeus Cruise, you control the pricing—and the profits.
Use our simple, graphical interface to book high-margin cruise packages. There’s no need to learn cryptic entries, so you’ll be up and running in no time. With online access to up-to-the-minute pricing and availability, you’re on cruise control 24/7.
Easily search multiple cruise lines, view cabin maps, and access commission information with one click. Seamlessly add cruises to your customer’s PNR. And online help is always available.
Best of all, Amadeus Cruise is totally free, regardless of GDS affiliation.
Click here to learn more and sign up for Amadeus Cruise!
Use our simple, graphical interface to book high-margin cruise packages. There’s no need to learn cryptic entries, so you’ll be up and running in no time. With online access to up-to-the-minute pricing and availability, you’re on cruise control 24/7.
Easily search multiple cruise lines, view cabin maps, and access commission information with one click. Seamlessly add cruises to your customer’s PNR. And online help is always available.
Best of all, Amadeus Cruise is totally free, regardless of GDS affiliation.
Click here to learn more and sign up for Amadeus Cruise!
Monday
Affluent continue to splurge on vacations
Wealthy consumers are continuing to take lavish vacations despite their concerns about the economic downturn, which may be prompting them to delay making other purchases or large investments.
For example, Abercrombie & Kent said its private jet division has been growing. "For the most part, people are not willing to sacrifice accommodations or experiences when they're traveling," said Scott Wiseman, A&K president.
For example, Abercrombie & Kent said its private jet division has been growing. "For the most part, people are not willing to sacrifice accommodations or experiences when they're traveling," said Scott Wiseman, A&K president.
Learn how to sell Las Vegas.
Learn how to sell Las Vegas to your clients. The LVCVA wants to help you send people to the Las Vegas area for their vacation. Use the link below to discover how to promote the city's best features and learn more about the advantages of booking trips to this top destination. Click Here
Hotel rooms still available for Beijing Olympics
BEIJING - There are still plenty of hotel rooms available for the Beijing Olympics. Director of Beijing's Tourism Bureau Zhang Huiguang says the crunch that was predicted doesn't seem to be happening.
She said that about 500,000 foreigners were expected for the games, a figure Beijing officials have long been predicting.
She said only 77 percent of capacity at Beijing's five-star hotels have been booked during the Aug. 8-24 Olympic Games, and the four-star hotel rate is only 44 percent. And it's even lower for three- and two-stars.
One reason could be China's crack down on visa procedures, targeting students and others on short-term stays who might be activists intent on protesting during the Olympics.
She said that about 500,000 foreigners were expected for the games, a figure Beijing officials have long been predicting.
She said only 77 percent of capacity at Beijing's five-star hotels have been booked during the Aug. 8-24 Olympic Games, and the four-star hotel rate is only 44 percent. And it's even lower for three- and two-stars.
One reason could be China's crack down on visa procedures, targeting students and others on short-term stays who might be activists intent on protesting during the Olympics.
What Not to Pack
With airlines charging fees for extra baggage, overpacking can cost you more than just sore arms! Learn which items you shouldn't pack.
Friday
Disney Offers Travel Agent Discounts
For a limited time travel agents can take part in Adventures by Disney travel at a specially discounted rate of up to 40 percent off.
Adventures By Disney offers story-based, guided-group vacations to some of the worlds sought after destinations, topped off with a little Disney Magic and uncompromising attention to detail.
Home Based Travel Agents and those in their travel party (staying in the same room) can receive discounts on the following itineraries, with specified dates available through September: Backstage Magic; Quest for the West; Spirit of America; Southwest Splendors; Path to Pura Vida; Emerald Isle; Cities of Knights & Lights; Imperial Cities; Once Upon a Fairytale; Grande Espana; Roma & La Costa Bella; Viva Italia; Taste of Tuscany; Flavors of France; and Discovery Down Under.
These discounts are based on availability and are subject to change. For more information, visit the "Agent Benefits" tab on www.disneytravelagents.com.
Adventures By Disney offers story-based, guided-group vacations to some of the worlds sought after destinations, topped off with a little Disney Magic and uncompromising attention to detail.
Home Based Travel Agents and those in their travel party (staying in the same room) can receive discounts on the following itineraries, with specified dates available through September: Backstage Magic; Quest for the West; Spirit of America; Southwest Splendors; Path to Pura Vida; Emerald Isle; Cities of Knights & Lights; Imperial Cities; Once Upon a Fairytale; Grande Espana; Roma & La Costa Bella; Viva Italia; Taste of Tuscany; Flavors of France; and Discovery Down Under.
These discounts are based on availability and are subject to change. For more information, visit the "Agent Benefits" tab on www.disneytravelagents.com.
Group Travel Planner
CIE Tours International published a new Group Travel Planner 2009 for Ireland, Britain, Italy and Europe. Designed to simplify the selling and booking process, the 20-page Planner is a tool for home based travel agents to boost group sales to Ireland, Britain, Italy, Eastern Europe and on European River Cruises.
The Planner emphasizes CIE Tours' philosophy of "No optional extras" which means that a group will prepay meals and sightseeing and thereby pay less than they would spend once on tour.
In addition, the 2009 Planner introduces "Circle of Families & Friends," a new dimension from CIE Tours - mini-coach tours for small family groups of ten or more people.
Embracing the growing trend in faith-based travel, CIE Tours is also enlarging its repertoire of group travel arrangements to places of pilgrimage and religious significance in Europe. Suggested itineraries include the Holy Places of Ireland and the Holy Places of Italy, as well as programs to Lourdes, Fatima, and Medjugorje.
By using the new planner as a guide, home based travel agents can earn 16 percent commission and up to three complimentary tour conductor places for booking groups to Ireland, Britain, Italy, and Eastern Europe.
The Planner outlines two ways for home based travel agents to create new income - booking on scheduled groups or creating a custom-made tour.
Booking passengers on CIE's scheduled tours requires no prior experience in group travel. The tours are already set up and hotels are confirmed, so agents can start to promote and sell immediately.
Home Based Agents can select just the right program from a wide choice of ready-made itineraries - Ireland, Britain, Scotland, Italy, Prague, Vienna and Budapest, Eastern Europe, and deluxe European river cruises.
All prices include accommodations at first class or superior first class hotels in rooms with private bath/shower, most meals, fully escorted sightseeing program, admission charges, entertainment, and more - all for the one basic price; and CIE's policy of "no optional extras" insures that a tour director is totally focused on client welfare. All of CIE Tours group arrangements can be purchased on a land-only basis or combined air and land. Call 800-243-8687 or visit www.cietours.com.
The Planner emphasizes CIE Tours' philosophy of "No optional extras" which means that a group will prepay meals and sightseeing and thereby pay less than they would spend once on tour.
In addition, the 2009 Planner introduces "Circle of Families & Friends," a new dimension from CIE Tours - mini-coach tours for small family groups of ten or more people.
Embracing the growing trend in faith-based travel, CIE Tours is also enlarging its repertoire of group travel arrangements to places of pilgrimage and religious significance in Europe. Suggested itineraries include the Holy Places of Ireland and the Holy Places of Italy, as well as programs to Lourdes, Fatima, and Medjugorje.
By using the new planner as a guide, home based travel agents can earn 16 percent commission and up to three complimentary tour conductor places for booking groups to Ireland, Britain, Italy, and Eastern Europe.
The Planner outlines two ways for home based travel agents to create new income - booking on scheduled groups or creating a custom-made tour.
Booking passengers on CIE's scheduled tours requires no prior experience in group travel. The tours are already set up and hotels are confirmed, so agents can start to promote and sell immediately.
Home Based Agents can select just the right program from a wide choice of ready-made itineraries - Ireland, Britain, Scotland, Italy, Prague, Vienna and Budapest, Eastern Europe, and deluxe European river cruises.
All prices include accommodations at first class or superior first class hotels in rooms with private bath/shower, most meals, fully escorted sightseeing program, admission charges, entertainment, and more - all for the one basic price; and CIE's policy of "no optional extras" insures that a tour director is totally focused on client welfare. All of CIE Tours group arrangements can be purchased on a land-only basis or combined air and land. Call 800-243-8687 or visit www.cietours.com.
Gay Travel Program
Travel Impressions launched the TI Gay & Lesbian Travel program and a related website, www.travelimpressions.com/gaytravel, to help home based travel agents become involved in the growing gay and lesbian travel market.
The program consists of two parts: a website featuring gay-friendly travel options around the world that can be accessed by both agents and consumers for research purposes and a booking engine just for travel agents; and a database of gay-friendly verified product, allowing travel agents to confidently book appropriate packages for their clients.
The program is designed to make it easy for home based agents to market themselves more knowledgably in gay-friendly travel. To meet this need, the TI Gay & Lesbian Travel program features a gay-friendly verified product line. Currently there are more than 950 properties in 150 destinations participating in the program.
These destinations and hotels are truly interested in the gay and lesbian travel market. Each one has been contacted by Travel Impressions and has opted for inclusion, agreeing to be referred to as a gay-friendly property. Travel Impressions defines gay-friendly properties as those which are open to actively welcoming gay and lesbian vacationers, and extending the same service levels, courtesies and professionalism as they extend to all other visitors.
The properties are located in the continental United States and Hawaii, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Europe and Tahiti, with more destinations to come.
To help home based travel agents, the website features special sections for romantic vacations, family vacations, group vacations, tours, gay and lesbian events and hot deals.
Since online research is so important to gay and lesbian travelers, travel agents can confidently suggest to their clients that they browse www.travelimpressions.com/gaytravel, which offers information but does not feature a consumer booking engine.
Travel agents can opt in to the TI Gay & Lesbian Travel program on the www.travelimpressions.com/gaytravel home page, in the "Book Gay-Friendly Hotels" section. Registration allows agents to book on the site and it will authorize Travel Impressions to send agents faxes, e-mails and promotions that are specific to the TI Gay & Lesbian Travel program.
The TI Gay & Lesbian Travel program offers the same services already available through Travel Impressions: "Cancel for Any Reason Travel Protection Insurance," 24/7 Customer Care, upgraded documents, highly skilled reservations staff and sales support, and much more. For more information, call 800-284-0044 or visit www.travelimpressions.com/gaytravel.
The program consists of two parts: a website featuring gay-friendly travel options around the world that can be accessed by both agents and consumers for research purposes and a booking engine just for travel agents; and a database of gay-friendly verified product, allowing travel agents to confidently book appropriate packages for their clients.
The program is designed to make it easy for home based agents to market themselves more knowledgably in gay-friendly travel. To meet this need, the TI Gay & Lesbian Travel program features a gay-friendly verified product line. Currently there are more than 950 properties in 150 destinations participating in the program.
These destinations and hotels are truly interested in the gay and lesbian travel market. Each one has been contacted by Travel Impressions and has opted for inclusion, agreeing to be referred to as a gay-friendly property. Travel Impressions defines gay-friendly properties as those which are open to actively welcoming gay and lesbian vacationers, and extending the same service levels, courtesies and professionalism as they extend to all other visitors.
The properties are located in the continental United States and Hawaii, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Europe and Tahiti, with more destinations to come.
To help home based travel agents, the website features special sections for romantic vacations, family vacations, group vacations, tours, gay and lesbian events and hot deals.
Since online research is so important to gay and lesbian travelers, travel agents can confidently suggest to their clients that they browse www.travelimpressions.com/gaytravel, which offers information but does not feature a consumer booking engine.
Travel agents can opt in to the TI Gay & Lesbian Travel program on the www.travelimpressions.com/gaytravel home page, in the "Book Gay-Friendly Hotels" section. Registration allows agents to book on the site and it will authorize Travel Impressions to send agents faxes, e-mails and promotions that are specific to the TI Gay & Lesbian Travel program.
The TI Gay & Lesbian Travel program offers the same services already available through Travel Impressions: "Cancel for Any Reason Travel Protection Insurance," 24/7 Customer Care, upgraded documents, highly skilled reservations staff and sales support, and much more. For more information, call 800-284-0044 or visit www.travelimpressions.com/gaytravel.
Wednesday
How to get the lowest Air Price
Itasoftware.com provides the most comprehensive and least biased list of fare and route options. Find out which airline offers the best itinerary for the lowest price, then go to that carrier's Web site to book. Itasoftware does not list flights on foreign low-cost airlines, however, so to find out which fly where, use whichbudget.com or wegolo.com.
Win A Trip to London
Win one of three "Do London Like a Local" vacations worth $1,000 USD, $1,500 USD or even $2,500 USD on visitlondon.com.
Use your prize for flights, hotels, theatre tickets, you name it! Browse our site, pick what you like, we book it for you and off you go. There are no blackout dates, so you go when you want and do what you like (all travel must be complete by December 31, 2008). Click Here
Use your prize for flights, hotels, theatre tickets, you name it! Browse our site, pick what you like, we book it for you and off you go. There are no blackout dates, so you go when you want and do what you like (all travel must be complete by December 31, 2008). Click Here
Tuesday
Cruise Slump = Cruise Deals
Some new cruise deals are hard to pass up. A few even include free airfare and kids sail free. It’s important to note that the following fares are starting prices, which means they are for inside cabins. it will cost you more for an outside cabin.
Carnival Cruise Lines the Freedom:
12-night sailings on the Carnival Freedom sailing from Civitavecchia (Rome) from June through August are selling for less than some 7-night Caribbean sailings. Prices that formerly fetched $4,969 per person are now going for $2,579 a real deal since it includes free airfare from select U.S. gateways (cruise-only is $1,199).
You’ll get to visit the best of Europe that includes Western Mediterranean or Greece and Turkey itineraries. Cruises stop in Naples (Italy), Dubrovnik (Croatia), Venice (Italy), Messina (Sicily), Barcelona (Spain), Livorno (Florence/Pisa, Italy), Cannes (France), Marmaris (Turkey), Izmir (Turkey), Istanbul (Turkey), Athens (Greece), Katakolon (Greece).
MSC Cruises MSC Poesia:
MSC’s newest ship offers amazing seven-day itineraries from Venice (Italy) with stops in Bari (Italy), Katakolon (Greece), Izmir (Turkey), Istanbul (Turkey), and Dubrovnik (Croatia). Prices that formerly started at $3,300 per person now are a bargain at $1,949, and that includes roundtrip airfare from select U.S. gateways ($899 cruise-only fare). Better yet, kids 17 years old or younger sailing as the third or fourth passenger in a stateroom sail free.
Celebrity Summit:
August and September are great months to save on premium line Celebrity. The Summit is offering 12-night Western Mediterranean sailings from Barcelona and Venice with stops in Villefranche (Nice, France), Livorno (Florence/Pisa, Italy), Civitavecchia (Rome), Naples (Italy), Santorini (Greece), Athens (Greece), and Dubrovnik (Croatia). Prices that formerly started at $4,999 per person now are a bargain, from $2,499 that includes roundtrip airfare from select U.S. gateways.
Norwegian Cruise Lines Norwegian Gem:
This summer you can cruise on Norwegian’s newest ship on 7-day Western Mediterranean sailings from Barcelona that stop in Valletta (Malta), Naples (Italy), Civitavecchia (Rome, Italy), Livorno (Pisa/Florance, Italy), and Villefrance (Nice, France). Prices that formerly started at $1,599 per person now are a bargain, from $799.
Alaska deals Holland America Line’s Oosterdam or Westerdam.
June and July offer great Alaska savings from Seattle onboard premium line Holland America. Itineraries are 7-night sailings with stops in Juneau (Alaska), cruising the Hubbard Glacier, Sitka (Alaska), Ketchikan (Alaska), and Victoria (Canada). Starting prices have been cut from $1,629 per person to $699.
Cruise Line’s Norwegian Sky.
On July 14, Norwegian Cruise Line will reassign Pride of Aloha, formerly part of the line’s Hawaii-based fleet, to Miami. The ship will be re-named Norwegian Sky, which ironically was its original name. The Sky will become the only Miami-based ship to offer three and four night sailings to the Bahamas with stops in Nassau, Freeport and Norwegian’s private island, Great Stirrup Cay. Fares that were formerly priced from $799 per person can now be had for as little as $229 (past passengers can cruise from $189). Best of all kids 17 years old or younger sailing as the third or fourth passenger in a stateroom sail free.
Carnival Cruise Lines the Freedom:
12-night sailings on the Carnival Freedom sailing from Civitavecchia (Rome) from June through August are selling for less than some 7-night Caribbean sailings. Prices that formerly fetched $4,969 per person are now going for $2,579 a real deal since it includes free airfare from select U.S. gateways (cruise-only is $1,199).
You’ll get to visit the best of Europe that includes Western Mediterranean or Greece and Turkey itineraries. Cruises stop in Naples (Italy), Dubrovnik (Croatia), Venice (Italy), Messina (Sicily), Barcelona (Spain), Livorno (Florence/Pisa, Italy), Cannes (France), Marmaris (Turkey), Izmir (Turkey), Istanbul (Turkey), Athens (Greece), Katakolon (Greece).
MSC Cruises MSC Poesia:
MSC’s newest ship offers amazing seven-day itineraries from Venice (Italy) with stops in Bari (Italy), Katakolon (Greece), Izmir (Turkey), Istanbul (Turkey), and Dubrovnik (Croatia). Prices that formerly started at $3,300 per person now are a bargain at $1,949, and that includes roundtrip airfare from select U.S. gateways ($899 cruise-only fare). Better yet, kids 17 years old or younger sailing as the third or fourth passenger in a stateroom sail free.
Celebrity Summit:
August and September are great months to save on premium line Celebrity. The Summit is offering 12-night Western Mediterranean sailings from Barcelona and Venice with stops in Villefranche (Nice, France), Livorno (Florence/Pisa, Italy), Civitavecchia (Rome), Naples (Italy), Santorini (Greece), Athens (Greece), and Dubrovnik (Croatia). Prices that formerly started at $4,999 per person now are a bargain, from $2,499 that includes roundtrip airfare from select U.S. gateways.
Norwegian Cruise Lines Norwegian Gem:
This summer you can cruise on Norwegian’s newest ship on 7-day Western Mediterranean sailings from Barcelona that stop in Valletta (Malta), Naples (Italy), Civitavecchia (Rome, Italy), Livorno (Pisa/Florance, Italy), and Villefrance (Nice, France). Prices that formerly started at $1,599 per person now are a bargain, from $799.
Alaska deals Holland America Line’s Oosterdam or Westerdam.
June and July offer great Alaska savings from Seattle onboard premium line Holland America. Itineraries are 7-night sailings with stops in Juneau (Alaska), cruising the Hubbard Glacier, Sitka (Alaska), Ketchikan (Alaska), and Victoria (Canada). Starting prices have been cut from $1,629 per person to $699.
Cruise Line’s Norwegian Sky.
On July 14, Norwegian Cruise Line will reassign Pride of Aloha, formerly part of the line’s Hawaii-based fleet, to Miami. The ship will be re-named Norwegian Sky, which ironically was its original name. The Sky will become the only Miami-based ship to offer three and four night sailings to the Bahamas with stops in Nassau, Freeport and Norwegian’s private island, Great Stirrup Cay. Fares that were formerly priced from $799 per person can now be had for as little as $229 (past passengers can cruise from $189). Best of all kids 17 years old or younger sailing as the third or fourth passenger in a stateroom sail free.
Monday
Important Information
Please be advised that due to the significant fuel surcharges being imposed by the airlines, all non-ticketed itineraries have been updated to reflect the current fuel surcharge.
Please advise clients that it is best to have their tickets issued now to guarantee the air price quoted. Ticketing will avoid future increases due to fuel surcharges, as airlines do not give advanced notice of these additional costs.
Please log on to www.gogowwv.com and view your existing online bookings for the updated payment amount due on your bookings. All itineraries, even those which are ticketed and paid in full, may be subject to government tax increases without notice which will be collected by the airline directly.
Please advise clients of the possibility of additional collection of these mandatory Airline/ Government Fuel surcharges and taxes.
Please advise clients that it is best to have their tickets issued now to guarantee the air price quoted. Ticketing will avoid future increases due to fuel surcharges, as airlines do not give advanced notice of these additional costs.
Please log on to www.gogowwv.com and view your existing online bookings for the updated payment amount due on your bookings. All itineraries, even those which are ticketed and paid in full, may be subject to government tax increases without notice which will be collected by the airline directly.
Please advise clients of the possibility of additional collection of these mandatory Airline/ Government Fuel surcharges and taxes.
Carnival Webinar Training
Home Based Travel Agents would like to invite you to join Carnival Cruise Line Live Online tomorrow! Tuesday June 3rd 4pm EST, 3pm CST, 2pm MT, 1pm PST
Within this hour you will learn about the latest and greatest BookCCL enhancements.
Including:
Carnival's new "Maintaining your Groups Online" tool eDocs exclusively on BookCCL.com, you can track the status of your client's booking!
Create customized, personalized version of any of our eight brochures - anytime!
Space is limited. Click here to register
Within this hour you will learn about the latest and greatest BookCCL enhancements.
Including:
Carnival's new "Maintaining your Groups Online" tool eDocs exclusively on BookCCL.com, you can track the status of your client's booking!
Create customized, personalized version of any of our eight brochures - anytime!
Space is limited. Click here to register
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